Meet Andy Bonura

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Bonura.

Andy, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It started for me in college. I studied film in Oklahoma City for three years at O.C.C.C. But my first passion was playing music. After college and at the age of 19 I moved to Los Angeles where I started my real pursuit in the music business as a drummer. While working at living out my dream I started working in the film production world. I got to work on some pretty awesome movie sets: Chronicles of Narnia, Alice in Wonderland and a few others. Working in motion picture was very demanding and required a lot of hours. That made for long days and nights on set and in the studio rehearsing and writing music.

As my music career excelled I was able to step back from my day job and just focus on music. I played in a few bands around town that gained some minor success and put me on tour. That band ended briefly after our first tour and I went into the studio with my main band and we work on our E.P. We worked with some great talent and played a good amount of showcases. Soon after our record was recorded we ended. After that band’s demise, I decided it was time to jump back into work. But I didn’t want to continue in the motion picture business. So, one of my good friends and fellow musicians was working in still photography as a digital technician. I knew cameras and claimed I had a good eye, at least I thought. I was brought on as an assistant tech with no experience, but hey, that’s how the industry kinda works. This was roughly 13ish years ago and let’s just say technology was nowhere near where it is today. Cameras, computers, lighting and software were a huge challenge.

Oh and there was no YouTube available and other creatives did not share their tricks. Working in LA I was able to learn from the best and work with some of the biggest and best brands. One of the best perks was the travel. I traveled to some incredible places thorough out the world while gaining invaluable education from top photographers in the business. After a few years traveling I decided to stick around LA and work more on the post-production side. Music as a career had ended and I was ready to jump in photography head first. I bought my first camera and started traveling around California and taking some snaps. I was becoming super-efficient in the post-world and was able to work remotely while working on my craft.

After a few years, I decided it was time for me to pack my bags and venture elsewhere. I moved back to Oklahoma to recharge my battery and help my mother with my dying grandmother. My grandmother was a huge influence on my life and I considered her my rock. While being there for her and working on building my portfolio I met my beautiful wife Carolyn. Carolyn had grown up in Laguna Beach but went to college at OU and played volleyball. We stuck it out in OKC for a while but decided it just wasn’t for us. We did some deep searching looking at going back to California or somewhere we’ve never lived. Our fingers landed on Denver. I had never been before so I didn’t know what to expect. We made multiple weekend trips here so I could get a feel for the city and people and Carolyn was looking to open her dental practice.

We moved to Denver around 6 1/2 years ago and we are still going strong. As a photographer, you’re constantly building your portfolio and network. I have my studio here and have had the fortunate ability to work some incredible clients. I’ve learned that balance and perseverance is the most important aspect of longevity in the creative world. I also correlate long-lasting relationships to success. Outside of photography, I have a foundation with a partner where we focus our energy in Zambia and help support sustainable life and artist to better their community. We just launched a handmade jewelry line to support the women of F.R.E.E. Zambia and help keep their resources there and intact. I look forward too many more years of growth and relationships. I tell myself daily to “never give up, and never stop trying”

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I wish I could say so, actually, I take that back. If life were a smooth road then learning and growing would be minimal. As a creative, I love the risk and challenges. That’s shaped me into where I am today. And honestly, I hope the challenge continues. I need bumps to help me understand that life isn’t perfect and never will be.

My biggest struggle was moving halfway across the US away from all of my family and friends. I’m glad I did as I built some incredible friendships and became close with family that I didn’t know. Another struggle for me was coming to terms with my first true love, “drumming” and moving on from it. I still play to this day, but letting go of a dream is very difficult. Photography brought that back into my life and helped me find that passion again.

Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
My business is photography. I specialize in portraiture, lifestyle and commercial work. I would say I’m known for my ability to adapt and bring a creative edge to my business. I’m always on time and plan for high execution. I’ve been told I have a great sense of communication and staying focused. I’m most proud of keeping strong and staying with it. Being in the creative world as a freelance is very difficult.

You have to understand ebbs and flows and that creativity comes in spirts. Understanding balance and knowing that you get out what you put in. I’ve seen more people collapse than succeed. Being able to learn from that is invaluable. Sometimes I feel in the creative world it’s not just about creativity, it’s about understanding people and knowing how to communicate. Always giving your absolute best, even knowing that there are people out there that just kick my ass in the creative part of things at times.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, success is being content with what you’ve done with your time. I believe success is defined by you and no one else as well all have different values and ideas for success. If I have inspired someone then I’ve succeeded. If someone comes up and tells me that my work has impacted them then I’ve succeeded.

Contact Info:

• Website: andybonuraphoto.com
• Phone: 8182886834
• Email: andy@andybonuraphoto.com
• Instagram: andybonura

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